Autumn Toddler Breaks in Cornwall
Do you love getting outdoors with your toddler but dread the hassle of setting up a tent while keeping them entertained? If you’re considering an autumn getaway in Cornwall with your little one, why not try glamping instead? At Ekopod, each of our units is nestled in its own private slice of countryside, offering you the perfect way to enjoy nature—without the fuss of camping. You can explore the beauty of Cornwall during the day, and when you return (or even if you spend your whole stay on-site), your toddler will have plenty of space to roam without being stuck in a hotel room.
Autumn is a magical time to visit Cornwall. One of the great perks of an autumn toddler break is that many local attractions are not only more affordable but also host special activities designed just for toddlers.
We’ve put together a guide to our favourite toddler-friendly places to visit this autumn, along with some of the special events they’re hosting. Perfect if you’re making the most of the years of being able to take ‘term time’ holiday!
1) The Beach (30 minutes from Ekopod)
If your toddler is anything like mine, a trip to the beach means hours of free entertainment—paddling in the sea, exploring rock pools, building sandcastles, collecting stones, and chasing seagulls. The beauty of an autumn beach day is that toddlers don’t seem to mind the weather, and the sea is still warm! Our top picks for toddler-friendly beaches are Crooklets and Summerleaze, both near Bude, a charming seaside town perfect for a leisurely stroll and fish and chips.
Both beaches have easy-access car parks and toilets with changing facilities, so no need to worry about logistics. Crooklets has two nearby cafés, including Rosie’s, which has an outdoor play area and a toddler-sized toilet that always seems to fascinate the little ones! Plus, Crooklets has some great rock pools to explore. Summerleaze, on the other hand, is home to the Bude Sea Pool—a fantastic, safe way for toddlers to enjoy the water. You’ll also find nearby parking, a lovely play park, and the canal with a pushchair-friendly path for a scenic walk.
2) Trethorne Leisure Park (10 minutes from Ekopod)
Located just 10 minutes from us, Trethorne Leisure Park is a fantastic option, especially on rainy days. With a huge indoor soft play area that features trampolines, ball pools, slides, and mini bikes, it’s a toddler paradise. There’s also a chance to meet rabbits and guinea pigs, and if the sun peeks out (or you’ve got splash suits), there’s a big outdoor play area to enjoy. It’s a go-to spot when my nephews and niece come to visit—they can’t get enough of it! 
3) Charlie Bears, Launceston (20 minutes from Ekopod)
Another great rainy-day option, just 15 minutes away in Launceston. Charlie Bears is home to the ‘Gallery of Bears,’ where toddlers can spend hours exploring displays filled with beautifully crafted teddy bears in all shapes and sizes. It’s a surprisingly engaging activity for little ones!
4) Camel Creek (45 minutes from Ekopod)
Camel Creek hosts Toddler Takeover sessions on Thursdays and Fridays during term time with a great bundle deal—just £12 for an adult and toddler ticket. On those days, the rides aren’t running, but the park is open for exploring. Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays offer their full Autumn Adventure Days, perfect for making some lasting memories. On 28th September you can also meet Bluey on site!
5) The Big Sheep (1 hour from Ekopod)
For any budding farmers in the family, The Big Sheep is a must! This farm-themed amusement park offers rides suited for toddlers and plenty of opportunities to meet farm animals. They also host special toddler takeover days with live shows, muddy play, and arts and crafts. It’s a huge hit with our visitors—definitely worth keeping an eye on their website for dates. The next one is scheduled for October 19th-23rd.
6) Eden Project (50 minutes from Ekopod)
If you’ve enjoyed staying in a dome with us, your toddler will love visiting the enormous ones at the Eden Project! It has a fantastic outdoor play park (with water play!) and from October, the ice rink opens with special toddler-friendly sessions. It may sound like a tricky combination, but trust me—it works! It’s a fun and unique experience for toddlers.
7) Lappa Valley (55 minutes from Ekopod)
If your little one loves trains, Lappa Valley is a dream come true. A short train ride from the car park takes you to this charming toddler-friendly theme park. Here they can ride mini trains, play in train-themed areas, and even splash around in the stream. There’s also a boating lake, trampolines, and other play areas to explore.
8) Lanhydrock (35 minutes from Ekopod)
This beautiful National Trust property is perfect for a relaxed day out. It has a great play park next to the café, and inside the Victorian nursery, toddlers can play with interactive toys, board games, and even a theatre with props. It’s an engaging and historical experience for little ones to enjoy.
9) Plymouth Aquarium (1 hour from Ekopod)
, As the UK’s largest aquarium, there are so many different sea creatures for them to see through 7 different zones. Plymouth aquarium also offers a fantastic toddler program—Ocean Todds. On Tuesday and Friday mornings, they host engaging sessions with crafts, songs, stories, and ocean-themed adventures, perfect for toddlers aged 2-4. It’s a great way to introduce them to the wonders of the ocean.
10) Pennywell Farm (1 hour 15 minutes from Ekopod)
Though it’s about 1 hour 15 minutes away, Pennywell Farm is worth the drive. It’s one of my daughter’s favourite places! From feeding baby goats to grooming miniature ponies and even ferret racing, there’s no shortage of fun. Tractor and train rides, trampolines, sandpits, and bouncy castles are all part of the experience. Plus, they have a special toddler sing-along every Tuesday at 10 a.m. And of course, the highlight is cuddling with their adorable miniature pigs!
11) Cardinham Woods (40 minutes from Ekopod)
A lovely forest not far from Lanhydrock so it’s possible to combine the two. There are trails for all different abilities for walking and cycling. For 2024 they also have a Grufflalo trail. This interactive trail features party-themed activities and games that take your toddler on a fun adventure through the woods. You can grab a Gruffalo Party Trail pack for just £4, which comes with a headband, stickers, and other goodies to make the day even more magical. There’s a lovely café for lunch and snacks onsite.
Each of these spots offers something special for toddlers, and I hope you and your little ones get to enjoy some of them during your stay! If you want to look at more inspiration for your visit check out our guidebook that can be downloaded 
here.
